I'm back

Well after a long break spent mostly writing my Master's thesis, I am back to ramble on about whatever it is I happen to be doing. I will spare you a lengthy recap of the past 10 months but I will highlight a few highlights of 2009/2010.

1. My Cooking Side

Due to the amount of time I spent at home I decided to try my hand at cooking, which proved to be very fruitful. I have developed a facilité in the kitchen and my cheesecakes and pies, though not award-winning (yet) are dinner party favorites.

2. My Artistic Side

I have been singing and performing a lot more this past year. After my failed attempt to join the Paris Gay Choir, Podium (story to come), I dedicated myself to the Embassy Choir and eventually joined the “elite” breakaway group the Dip Notes. Both groups performed at the Ambassador’s Christmas party surprising not only the guests but the Ambassador (a former Wiffenpoof) with this unknown embassy talent. The Embassy Choir also performed at St Michael’s Cathedral near Madeleine to support an AIDS clinic in Malawi. I heard my first flute quartet at this event, here’s hoping there is some sort of flute quartet competition that I could attend. Dip Notes just had the pleasure of performing the Marseillaise and the Star Spangled Banner at the Ambassador’s 4th of July Reception. It was an incredible honor and overwhelming to be singing for over 3000 guests from the highest echelons of the French and US government and military.

Back in March I was also called out of hiding to be in the American University’s production of Rent. Though I had no time and was behind on completing my thesis, I also vowed that if someone asked me to play Tom Collins, I would drop everything. So I helped an incredibly dedicated cast put on a two act musical in three weeks. It was incredibly grueling and at times appeared that it would never come together; but on opening night we blew the crowd away. It was a very rewarding and enriching experience on so many levels. I got my voice back and extended my range beyond anything I ever thought was possible. I met the most amazing people in this cast and made some friendships I believe will last for many years. And I got to relive the genius Jonathon Larson’s musical, a musical that saw me through high school, and share that enthusiasm with a cast who were as passionate about the musical as I am.

Following the successful three-day run of Rent I was asked to sing with the Paris Choral Society for their upcoming concert of 9 opera choruses. Once again, the rehearsals were intense but in the end the concert came together very nicely. I was even selected to sing a 3 person soli from the opera Moise. So in short, singing in going well and there is no shortage of singing opportunities.

2. Expanding My Horizons

I also took several trips during the past 10 months as well. First trip was to Brussels for Christmas. Thanks to Adrian, my former supervisor at IGLHRC who now lives in Brussels, who let us stay in his apartment while he was in New York. Though this past winter was bitterly cold and snowy, it made for a perfect Belgium Christmas. Mika and I enjoyed typical Belgium delights; waffles, chocolate, cherry beer, stews and the lights and sounds of the Central Square.

A few weeks later, in mid-January, a group of friends, Mika and I headed up to the Alps for a four-day ski adventure. It was my first time skiing so needless to say I did not. Though I thoroughly enjoyed the ski village (or hwillage). I had the best Grand Marnier hot chocolate with home-made whipped cream and locally made chocolate sprinkles. It was heaven in a thick mug. The mountain scenery was breathtaking and the evening card games were simply delightful. No trip in France is complete without some amazing food. I ate the most amazing galette, which I cannot wait to try again. For dessert I had a Grand Marnier flambéed strawberry crepe smothered in melted white chocolate. I did attempt to snowblade, but it was short lived and eventually I settled for sledding down a modest incline.

The end of January I found myself in one of my favorite cities. London. I was there officially to take an exam for the Presidential Management Fellowship, which I did not score well enough to get. Seeing how the exam was Wednesday morning and I arrived the previous Friday, there was plenty of opportunity for fun and mayhem. There is little to say about London, good friends, good food, good bars and good music, I never get tired of it. During this trip I saw Sister Act starring the beautiful and talented Patina Miller. The show exceeded my expectations and Patina had me on the edge of my seat from the first song. Contrary to common wisdom, I took advantage of the wonderful and varied cuisine the English capital has to offer, including a traditional chicken roast. My last day in London was spent walking the financial district looking for prewar architecture.

In February my best gay Nick came to Paris for five days for an unprecedented level of merriment in Gay Paree. Unfortunately I do not remember all that we did, and for some reason there are very few photos of his trip. In May my childhood best friend Michelle and her sister Christy came to Paris for a week of fun. Though the weather barely cooperated (it rained for 7 days) a good time was had by all. We even took a trip down to Condom in the Gers for the Bandas, which was my first. Parties, brass bands, and drunkenness. A few weeks later we were back in the South for the wedding of Mika’s cousin. She was a beautiful bride, and the whole event was simple and elegant. The reception was lovely; delicious food, great drinks and even a bit of karaoke.

Conclusion

End of June was of course Gay Pride. And this was the best Gay Pride I have spent in Paris. I was surrounded by good friends, Gay, Straight, Lesbian and Mika. The atmosphere in the city was… well, it was gay. The parade, though very chaotic compared the American prides, was fun to watch and the after parties at Bastille and in the Marais were jumping. This year was nice, because I have discovered the greatest cocktail bar in Paris and spent the end of pride at my favorite watering hole. So though I am still eagerly job searching, I am doing my best to have as much fun as I can. In that oh so Franco-American way that I do.